The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Should there be a serial number between the lugs if I have the bracelet removed to check, or if not, where should it be marked?

The only thing wrong is the bracelet, it may be real, but no idea how they made it fit. The watch is fine, no problems at all. The serial number should be on the caseback, but as I said yesterday it may have been removed if the watch were sold grey market. Between the lugs is the date code for manufacture - http://www.breitlingsource.com/articles_dating.shtml

Moving this to the replica section as it is turning into a real / fake discussion (but the watch is real).

I'd be tempted to say that someone filed the end links down to 22mm to make it fit.
Can't tell for sure from the pictures but it almost looks like it.

_________________
"It is just a matter of time!"

Did any of the 970A releases ever use the normal 1884 Breitling clasp vs. the Bentley stamped version I keep finding on the net? This one is a Speed for sure, but doesn't have the Bentley clasp. I know that's something that could be swapped out.

Just starting to wonder if it is possible its real, if its a frankeinbracelet, made from a bunch of links...in which case it could be made to not taper to 24...but then, how to get the stamped links in that size when the are the first from the lug.

Bentley bracelets came with Bentley clasps.

The only way that genuine 970A end links would fit would be if they were filed down as wessa suggests.

OK...super and I wanted to thank everyone for their time.
I am sending back the entire watch and hunting another the same.
I have already settled on the Headwind as my "first" Breitling, so I'm staying the course.

Why are you sending it back???

I can understand negotiating a partial refund / return of the bracelet, but there's nothing wrong with the watch

It was specified all original and I don't like spending this much money to not get what I expected, or starting off on the wrong foot.
I had to pay the duty/brokerage fees/shipping on top of the purchase price. (I'm in Ontario too) If I negotiate to return the bracelet; A) They are likely not going to accept the amount I'd want refunded, partly because of B and B) Its going to cost me too much, as I won't get back part/partial of the above mentioned...so, start over is making it right.
I've been waiting for 2 years before making this plunge and I cannot justify anything other than knowing I am completely satisfied, otherwise I will always be wondering if the head is a fake, even if its not.
Also, I have still yet to have confirmation from anybody anywhere, including the jeweler, that this watch hasn't had the crystal replaced...the jeweler has never seen one with this bubble glass on a Headwind.

--Peace of mind.

So, in closing, I returned the watch and bought the other one I was considering for a bit more.
WOW!!!! I honestly think after seeing the new purchase (black face on 355A) that either that HUGE bubble crystal was changed, or the whole head was a fake too...night and day, but thatcher just be part from the white to black contrast.

The new one is likely the most beautiful watch I've seen...although I'm quite parti to the headwind model

Glad that you are happy, but.....

The other one is still real!